Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for the entire state of New Jersey due to the winter storm.

The state of emergency went into effect at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The announcement allows for a wide range of resources to become available but does not mean that schools and businesses will be forced to close.

Officials are warning drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay clear of all plows and salt trucks.

State police were implementing a commercial traffic ban on state highways and interstates, except the Turnpike, Parkway, and AC Expressway.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation have also issued a winter weather alert.

The heaviest snow was expected overnight and into early Monday morning.